• Belgian striker Divock Origi announces retirement from professional football at age 31
• Former Liverpool forward won the Champions League and Premier League during his six years at the club
• Scored iconic goals against Barcelona and in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham
• Also played for AC Milan, Nottingham Forest and represented the Belgium national team

Belgian striker Divock Origi has ended his professional football career at the age of 31. The forward confirmed his retirement on Friday, drawing the curtain on a journey that brought him legendary status at Liverpool FC.

Origi joined the Reds in 2014 and remained at the club until 2022. During his time at Anfield, he netted 41 times in 175 outings. Supporters will always remember his goals in the biggest matches.

The Belgian played a crucial role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League success. He scored twice in the semi-final comeback against FC Barcelona at Anfield. He also found the net in the final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid. Additionally, he grabbed a last-gasp winner against Everton in the league, striking in the 96th minute. He scored six goals against the Toffees in total.

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, described Origi as a club legend. The German praised the striker’s impact during their time together.

“Klopp believed in me from the start,” Origi explained. “He gave me confidence from day one. We won major trophies together, but he also helped me grow as a person.”

Origi collected five honours with Liverpool. These include European glory, the English league title, the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and world club success.

After departing Merseyside in 2022, the forward had spells at AC Milan and Nottingham Forest. His final professional appearance came in 2024.

The Belgian now plans to enter the fashion industry. He will also work with the football agency DLF Sports and study business.

“I am proud of my career,” Origi stated. “The game shaped me as a person. I gave my all in every match and I have no regrets.”

He hopes fans remember him as a player who stayed true to himself throughout his time in football.

• Andy Robertson has departed Liverpool after nine trophy-laden years, including two Premier League titles and one Champions League crown.
• The Scotland captain once worked in the Hampden Park ticket office while earning just £18 per week at amateur side Queen’s Park.
• He has earned 93 international caps and is closing in on Kenny Dalglish’s Scottish record of 102 appearances.
• Robertson organizes team-bonding games like ‘The Traitors’ to build squad unity before major tournaments.
• He became Scotland’s most-capped captain after taking the armband in 2018 at the age of just 24.

The Scotland national team recently enjoyed a special activity during their training camp. Captain Andy Robertson created his own version of the television game “The Traitors” for his team-mates. Players visited his room each evening to vote on who to eliminate from the contest. This fun exercise helped the squad relax before facing crucial matches.

This small story shows exactly how Robertson leads his side. The 32-year-old understands how to bring players together. He knows that football is not only about tactics and physical training.

Robertson has recently finished his time at Liverpool Football Club. He spent nine successful years at the famous Anfield stadium. When he first arrived from Hull City in 2017, manager Jurgen Klopp believed he could attack well but needed to improve his defence. However, Robertson worked extremely hard and developed into one of the best left-backs in the world.

During his time on Merseyside, he collected many major trophies. These include two Premier League championships and one Champions League title. He played alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and the pair broke assist records for defenders. Some supporters now describe him as the finest left-back in Liverpool’s long and proud history.

His story with the Scotland national team follows a different path. The country had waited 28 years to reach the World Cup finals. Robertson helped them qualify for this tournament. He also guided them to other major competitions during his captaincy.

Life was not always easy for the defender. Celtic released him when he was only 15 years old. He then played for Queen’s Park in the fourth tier of Scottish football. At that time, he earned just £18 each week. To make extra money, he worked in the ticket office at Hampden Park and assisted in the boot room.

Within a short period, his life changed completely. He moved to Dundee United and then joined Hull City in the English Premier League. By March 2014, he made his debut for Scotland. Former manager Gordon Strachan gave him this first opportunity.

In September 2018, Alex McLeish appointed him as captain. At that time, he had only played 22 times for his country. Now he has worn the armband more than any other Scottish player in history. He has played 93 matches and averages 84 minutes per game.

Team-mates praise his attitude and personality. Scott McTominay calls him a “top boy” who knows exactly when to be demanding and when to offer support. James McFadden, who worked with the national team staff, says Robertson remains humble despite his huge success at Liverpool.

Robertson believes that luck and hard work brought him this success. He always remembers that most children who dream of football careers never make it as professionals. He believes that giving 100% effort is the most important quality any player can show.

As he leaves Liverpool, fans celebrate his excellent service. He once turned down a request for his shirt with a joke that “nobody wants the left-back’s shirt.” But now everyone wants to remember his name and his achievements.

He will soon pass Kenny Dalglish’s record of 102 caps for Scotland. From answering telephones at Hampden to captaining his country at a World Cup, his incredible journey continues to inspire young players across the nation.

• Andoni Iraola becomes new Liverpool head coach following Arne Slot’s dismissal after a disappointing title defence
• The Spanish manager inherits a side that conceded 53 league goals and finished 24 points behind their previous campaign’s total
• Iraola has just 33 days to prepare his squad before the new season starts on August 22
• Expensive signings Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike played only 119 minutes together due to injuries
• The Basque coach must implement an attacking “heavy-metal” style to win back frustrated Anfield supporters

Andoni Iraola has officially taken charge at Liverpool after the club dismissed Arne Slot. The Dutchman lost his job despite guiding the Reds to the Premier League title in his first year at Anfield.

The Merseyside giants endured a terrible defence of their crown last term. They collected 24 fewer points than during their championship-winning campaign. The team finished closer to the relegation zone than to Arsenal, who claimed the title.

Liverpool also shipped 53 goals in the league. This figure represents their worst defensive record in a 38-game Premier League season. They conceded 20 times from set-pieces, a statistic matched only by Bournemouth, Iraola’s former club.

The new manager faces a race against time. The upcoming campaign begins on August 22, just 33 days after the World Cup final. Iraola will have limited opportunity to work with his players on the training ground.

Fixing the backline represents his most urgent priority. Ibrahima Konate has left Anfield on a free transfer, leaving a significant gap in central defence. Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are expected to compete for the role alongside Virgil van Dijk, though both youngsters face fitness concerns.

Between the sticks, Alisson Becker remains a key figure. The Brazilian goalkeeper has a contract until 2027, though Italian giants Juventus have shown interest in his services.

Further up the pitch, Iraola must solve the puzzle of his star attackers. The club spent £320.5 million last summer to bring in Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. However, injuries restricted the trio to just 119 minutes on the pitch together. They managed only 19 league goals between them.

The supporters grew restless during the final weeks of last season. Fans booed the team after disappointing draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Slot failed to find solutions to opposing teams’ defensive tactics, leading to his eventual sacking.

Iraola arrives with a reputation for high-energy, aggressive football. Sporting director Richard Hughes specifically chose the 43-year-old to implement a “front-foot” style similar to Jurgen Klopp’s successful era. The club wants “heavy-metal football” rather than the cautious approach seen last season.

The former Bournemouth boss must also decide the futures of Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez. Both England internationals have only 12 months remaining on their contracts. Inter Milan want Jones, while Gomez could also depart.

Additionally, Iraola needs to revitalise Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. These players struggled to match their previous form. He must also develop 17-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha, who is expected to transition from substitute to regular starter.

Iraola prefers to focus on coaching rather than recruitment. Hughes and CEO Michael Edwards will handle transfers, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande already identified as a potential target.

The new manager proved at Bournemouth that he can integrate young defenders successfully. Liverpool will hope he can repeat that trick while restoring the club’s attacking threat.

• Andoni Iraola signs two-year contract to become Liverpool head coach
• Spaniard replaces Arne Slot, who was dismissed after one season despite winning the Premier League
• Former Bournemouth manager chosen for aggressive, front-footed playing philosophy
• Sporting director Richard Hughes led recruitment process after working with Iraola at Vitality Stadium
• Club officials believe Iraola can restore high-intensity football and emotional connection with fans

Liverpool Football Club has confirmed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. The Spanish manager has agreed to a two-year contract at Anfield. He replaces Arne Slot, who left the club on May 30 after just twelve months in charge, despite securing the Premier League title last season.

Sporting director Richard Hughes led the search for a new manager. Hughes had previously brought Iraola to Bournemouth back in 2023. He then joined Liverpool himself in 2024.

The Merseyside club looked at several options. However, Iraola was the sole candidate they actually interviewed. Liverpool believe they have hired one of the finest coaches in the game. This belief is supported by the strong interest Iraola attracted from other clubs this summer. The board was particularly impressed by how much he wanted the job.

Officials view the 43-year-old as the ideal choice to create a bolder, more attacking team. Iraola recently guided Bournemouth through an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign. This run helped the Cherries secure sixth place and a spot in the Europa League. They finished only three points behind Liverpool in the final table.

“I feel truly excited,” Iraola told the club’s official website. “Everyone knows Liverpool is a massive club, one of the biggest on the planet. But learning more about it, I realised this is a very special place. You do not need many reasons to want to come here. The fans, the atmosphere, the chance to work with world-class players and compete for trophies – it is the perfect opportunity. I cannot wait to begin. I want to become one of you and earn your trust so we can celebrate together.”

Liverpool have monitored Iraola’s career for many years. They actually tried to sign him as a player in the past. The club has watched his development as a coach with great interest. Former manager Jurgen Klopp had previously spoken highly of Iraola’s work at Bournemouth.

Sky Sports expert Jamie Carragher raised questions about the appointment. He praised Iraola’s high-intensity style but wondered if he could maintain it with midweek fixtures. Carragher noted that Bournemouth played only once a week. He also stressed the importance of defensive work off the ball, which he felt was missing under Slot.

Former player Jamie Redknapp offered strong support. He said Iraola exceeded even Eddie Howe’s achievements at Bournemouth. Redknapp highlighted the pressing style and high energy. However, he noted reports that Iraola avoids speaking to players who are not in the starting eleven. Redknapp concluded that Iraola can handle the step up to a top club.

• Liverpool FC and FC Bayern Munich are now competing with Borussia Dortmund to sign the 21-year-old Belgian forward.
• LOSC Lille have set a demanding price tag of €70 million for the player.
• The striker’s contract with the French club runs until 2029.
• Several unnamed Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation.
• Bundesliga sides may struggle to afford the transfer fee due to their budget limits.

Liverpool FC have reportedly joined the race to sign Mathias Fernandez-Pardo from LOSC Lille. The Premier League club faces competition from German giants FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund were the first club to show interest in the 21-year-old striker several weeks ago. However, the competition has now become much tougher for the Bundesliga side.

The Belgian international has also attracted attention from other English clubs. These teams have not been named, but they are watching the situation closely.

LOSC Lille are asking for €70 million to sell the young forward. This is a huge amount of money. Dortmund will likely find this price impossible to pay.

Even Bayern Munich, who recently won the league and cup double, might struggle with the cost. They recently failed to sign Anthony Gordon because the price was too high. Gordon moved to FC Barcelona instead.

Liverpool and other English clubs have very strong financial power. This could give them a clear advantage in signing Fernandez-Pardo. The player is under contract with Lille until 2029, which explains the high asking price.

• FC Bayern Munich have sent scouts to watch the 16-year-old striker on multiple occasions.
• The player’s name was left off Liverpool’s official scholars list, suggesting he will leave the club.
• Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United are also monitoring the versatile forward.
• Joseph has scored eight goals in nine friendly appearances for England Under-16s.

Top German clubs are tracking a highly-rated teenager from Liverpool. Vincent Joseph, who is 16 years old, has attracted serious interest from FC Bayern Munich. Sources claim that scouts from the Bavarian side have visited games several times to watch the young striker.

The forward appears ready to exit Merseyside. His name was missing from the club’s recent list of new scholars. This strongly suggests that he will look for a new team.

Joseph has also impressed on the international stage. He has netted eight times in just nine friendly matches for the England Under-16 side. His flexibility makes him an attractive target. He can play through the middle, as a number 10, or out wide.

However, Bayern face competition for his signature. Rivals Borussia Dortmund have also watched the youngster closely. Meanwhile, Manchester United hold a strong interest in keeping him in the Premier League. The Red Devils hope to beat the German clubs to his signature.

The race to sign this talented academy player is now heating up.

• Liverpool FC reach verbal agreement with Andoni Iraola to become new head coach this week
• Spaniard leaves AFC Bournemouth after guiding them to sixth place and European qualification
• Ex-Reds midfielder Danny Murphy backs appointment to restore fan excitement
• Concerns raised over Iraola’s lack of experience at big clubs and in European competitions
• Club seeks return to high-energy, attacking style similar to Jurgen Klopp era

Liverpool FC are set to confirm Andoni Iraola as their new manager this week. The 42-year-old will take over from Arne Slot, who left the club on Saturday.

The Merseyside club acted quickly to find a replacement. They reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish coach on Tuesday.

Iraola joins from AFC Bournemouth, where he enjoyed an impressive campaign. He led the Cherries to sixth place in the Premier League last season. This achievement secured European football for the south coast club for the first time in their history.

However, some supporters worry about his background. He has never managed a major club before. He also lacks experience in European tournaments.

Danny Murphy, who played for Liverpool in the past, welcomes the move. He believes the fans will feel enthusiastic again.

“I am quite excited,” said Murphy, who now works as a television pundit. “When you watch Bournemouth play, you see courage. They press with high energy and play attacking football. There is no reason to think he will not do the same at Anfield.”

Murphy added that the supporters needed a change. “When fans become unhappy with the manager and his style, you are only delaying the inevitable. Bringing in Iraola gives the fans hope for the new campaign. They will not start the season with fear.”

Other coaches have found it difficult to step up to big clubs. Thomas Frank recently moved from Brentford to Tottenham Hotspur and faced problems.

Murphy does have some reservations. He thinks Iraola might be surprised by the pressure at Liverpool. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Everything you do is scrutinised globally,” he explained.

The former midfielder also worries about fitness levels. “Klopp’s teams played with flying full-backs and dynamic midfielders. The current squad lacks legs and dynamism. The summer transfer window is huge for Liverpool. They need brilliant players who work hard off the ball.”

Slot won the league title in his first season in charge. However, his team finished fifth in his second year, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Peter Bolster, from the Spion Kop podcast, told BBC Radio Merseyside he feels excited again. “Large parts of last season I was not excited to watch Liverpool. Now I am excited for the project.”

Fan Ian Walker has mixed feelings. He said the poor style of play under Slot needed to change. But he noted the job has proved too much for some managers in the past.

Ste Plunkett, from The Redmen TV, thinks Iraola is a good fit. “Of the managers available, this seems obvious. He does not worry about reputation. He will go into the job invigorated.”

Liverpool want to return to front-foot, aggressive football. They hope Iraola can deliver a style similar to the one they played under Jurgen Klopp.

• Lewis Koumas nets first Wales goal in 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana in Cardiff
• Craig Bellamy plans to use the Liverpool talent as a centre-forward despite his usual wing role
• Wales lack striking options but possess many wingers, prompting positional switch
• Koumas, 20, recently helped Hull City win Championship play-off final on loan
• Wales face Romania next while Ghana prepare for World Cup campaign

Wales manager Craig Bellamy believes Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas can solve the national team’s striker shortage. The 20-year-old scored his maiden international goal on Tuesday night to secure a 1-1 draw against Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium.

Koumas has mainly played on the left flank during his short career. However, Bellamy sees the player’s future through the middle as a number nine. The Wales boss explained that the squad lacks genuine centre-forwards but has plenty of wide options.

“We do not have many strikers coming through our system,” said Bellamy. “We have many brilliant wingers instead. Koumas could help us out wide, but he has looked electric in training as a centre-forward.”

The Liverpool academy graduate spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City. He helped them earn promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Earlier loan spells at Birmingham City and Stoke City saw him operate mostly on the wing.

Wales boasts several speedy wide players including Daniel James, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, David Brooks and Sorba Thomas. This wealth of options convinced Bellamy to try Koumas in a central role.

“He needs to be a bit tidier with his play, but that is normal for his age,” Bellamy added. “I see him as a future star for Wales. He will have a big impact, and I am delighted he got his goal tonight.”

The result leaves Wales preparing for another friendly against Romania on Saturday. They failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.

Ghana, meanwhile, will compete at the World Cup in a group containing England, Croatia and Panama. Bellamy warned that their opening match against Panama could decide their tournament fate. He praised their counter-attacking speed and mentioned the quality of players like Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo who missed the Wales match.

• Borussia Dortmund may end their pursuit of 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC
• The total transfer package could reach €20 million including signing-on fees
• Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen remain in the race for the teenager
• Post-Brexit regulations prevent Eichhorn from playing in England until he turns 18

Top clubs from Germany and other countries have shown strong interest in 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn. His future has been the subject of rumours for several months.

German newspaper Sport Bild has revealed fresh information about the battle to sign the Hertha BSC starlet. Earlier reports suggested a release clause of €10-12 million. However, the new report states that Bundesliga sides must pay only €9 million to activate the clause.

The price drops even more for German teams that do not play in the Champions League.

Despite the lower release clause, the total cost could reach €20 million. The player and his agents want a signing-on fee of about €10 million.

Eichhorn’s current market value stands at roughly €20 million. His representatives believe the total package is fair and matches current market rates.

This high price has caused Borussia Dortmund to think about ending their pursuit. The Black and Yellows feel the signing-on fee is excessive.

However, other top sides are not put off by the cost. Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich continue to track the young midfielder and are willing to meet the financial demands.

English teams like Liverpool face a separate problem. New rules after Brexit mean Eichhorn cannot play in England until he turns 18. Therefore, if he joins a Premier League side, he would probably go on loan to a club outside England straight away.

• Liverpool FC will host AS Monaco in a summer friendly at Anfield on Sunday, 9 August.
• The match kicks off at 2:30 PM BST and marks Monaco’s penultimate warm-up fixture.
• Both clubs are currently without permanent managers following recent departures.
• The Reds are expected to appoint Andoni Iraola, while Monaco target Filipe Luis.
• This will be the first meeting between the sides since the 2004-05 Champions League.

Liverpool FC have confirmed they will face AS Monaco in a pre-season exhibition match at Anfield. The game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 9, with kick-off set for 2:30 PM local time.

This fixture is likely to serve as Monaco’s second-last preparation match before they resume competitive action. The Ligue 1 side will return to domestic league duties approximately two weeks after this encounter. Additionally, the French club must prepare for UEFA Conference League qualifying matches later in August.

The last time these two teams met was during the group phase of the 2004-05 Champions League campaign. On that occasion, Liverpool went on to lift the trophy, famously overcoming a three-goal deficit against AC Milan in the final.

Currently, neither club has a manager in place. Liverpool recently parted ways with Arne Slot, whilst Monaco have also moved on from Sébastien Pocognoli. Reports suggest the Merseyside outfit are close to securing Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. Meanwhile, Monaco are rumoured to be considering former defender Filipe Luis for the managerial role.